Do you really notice the changing season beyond the more obvious signs like changing weather, flowers and foods available to you? Many ancient cultures all over the world have their own special rituals for embracing the changing seasons. Solstices and Equinoxes are one example. They mark the changing seasons and encourage celebration for what has passed and what is to come.

Autumn signals the end of summer, ushering in cooler temperatures and preparing for winter. The Equinox brings a perfect balance of daylight and darkness, a day to acknowledge and celebrate the changing season.

As we transition from summer's social energy, autumn encourages withdrawal and self-care, aligning with ancient practices like Ayurveda. Ayurveda associate autumn with Space and Air elements. During this season, our bodies can be dry, causing flaky skin, hair shedding, insomnia, anxiety, and brain fog. Slowing down, keeping warm, and nourishing ourselves becomes essential.

This season is the transition from yang to yin.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Metal element is associated with autumn and the two organs related to this are Lungs and Large Intestine. Lungs literally translate to the “breath of life” and “Large Intestine” means “letting go; physically and mentally”—fitting for a season when trees shed their leaves.